Compare the best Nintendo Switch flight simulator games, from Aerofly FS 2 and Take Off to Ace Combat 7, with clear picks for each play style.
The best Nintendo Switch flight simulator is Aerofly FS 2 for realistic civilian flying. Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown Deluxe Edition is the strongest combat game, Take Off offers accessible airline missions, Ultrawings FLAT suits short cockpit challenges, and Air Conflicts Collection is a good choice for historical arcade combat.
On Nintendo Switch, “flight simulator” covers everything from credible aircraft handling to cinematic dogfighting. None offers the worldwide scenery, study-level systems, traffic and add-on support associated with a desktop simulator, so the right choice depends heavily on whether you want civil aviation, progression or combat.
Best Nintendo Switch flight simulator games compared
Aerofly FS 2 is the clear choice for conventional civil flight simulation, while the other leading options trade realism for missions, action or portability.
| Game | Best for | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Aerofly FS 2 Flight Simulator | Realistic civilian flying | Recognisable aircraft, cockpit flying and credible take-offs, navigation and landings. It is an older, self-contained Switch edition rather than the latest Aerofly release. |
| Take Off – The Flight Simulator | Airline-style progression | Mission-led flying, aircraft progression and a more accessible structure. Its handling and systems are simpler than Aerofly's. |
| Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown Deluxe Edition | Modern jet combat | A polished campaign, fast aerial battles and dramatic missions. It is an action game with simplified avionics, not a realistic military simulator. |
| Ultrawings FLAT | Short flying challenges | Light-aircraft handling, landings and skill tests in a stylised setting. It sits comfortably between an arcade game and a light simulator. |
| Sky Gamblers: Storm Raiders 2 | Quick Second World War dogfights | Accessible historical air combat with shorter missions and lighter flight modelling than a dedicated combat simulator. |
| Air Conflicts Collection | Historical campaigns | Two campaign-focused combat games covering European and Pacific operations. The design is dated, but the package offers plenty of straightforward dogfighting. |
Nintendo eShop availability can differ by country, and older digital releases may be withdrawn. Online features can also disappear before the offline campaign does, so check the exact regional listing rather than relying on an old trailer or review.
Which Nintendo Switch flight simulator is most realistic?
Aerofly FS 2 is the most realistic flight simulator on Nintendo Switch, particularly for pilots interested in civilian aircraft, cockpit views and practising normal take-offs and landings.
Its main limitation is scope. The Switch release is based on Aerofly FS 2 and should not be confused with newer Aerofly products shown in PC or mobile footage. Our platform comparison explains how the Aerofly editions differ across Switch, PC, Mac and iPad.
Choose Take Off instead if you prefer objectives and progression over cockpit fidelity. Choose Ace Combat 7 if “realistic” matters less than responsive controls, modern jets and a substantial combat campaign.
Is Microsoft Flight Simulator available on Nintendo Switch?
No official Microsoft Flight Simulator game has been released for Nintendo Switch.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 remains limited to PC and Xbox, while Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is available on PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS5 and PS5 Pro. Our summary of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 console availability explains the platform distinction.
Games using “Flight Simulator” in their names are not unofficial Switch versions of Microsoft's simulator. A mistake we see constantly is buying by title alone; check the aircraft list, cockpit view, free-flight options and stated control support before treating an eShop release as a serious simulator.
Can Nintendo Switch flight games use a HOTAS or add-ons?
Most Nintendo Switch flight games are designed around Joy-Con or a Pro Controller, and broad support for PC yokes, throttles and HOTAS equipment should not be assumed.
- Use a Pro Controller for finer inputs: its conventional layout is often more comfortable for longer flights than detached Joy-Con.
- Check explicit compatibility: a USB connector and the Switch dock do not make an unsupported PC flight controller work.
- Expect fixed content: Switch releases generally do not accept community aircraft, scenery or liveries in the way PC simulators do.
- Use small stick movements: short controller-stick travel makes over-controlling on approach especially common. Reduce sensitivity or add a small dead zone where the game provides those settings.
Which Switch flight game should you choose?
The best purchase comes down to the type of flying you want rather than the number of aircraft advertised.
- Choose Aerofly FS 2 for free flight, civilian aircraft and the closest approximation to a traditional simulator.
- Choose Take Off for structured missions and airline-themed progression.
- Choose Ace Combat 7 for modern jets, a story campaign and action-focused combat.
- Choose Ultrawings FLAT for approachable flying challenges in short sessions.
- Choose Sky Gamblers: Storm Raiders 2 or Air Conflicts Collection for accessible historical dogfighting.